How to install a clothesline elevator

Written by kimberly johnson| 13/05/2017

A clothesline elevator is a type of clothesline device that uses pulleys to raise the clothesline up high in the air. This allows homeowners to dry their laundry while still being able to walk around in the yard. A clothesline elevator is loaded at arm level like a normal clothesline. Once clothes are hung, a pulley raises the line an additional 2 to 3 feet in the air to dry. Installing a clothesline elevator can be accomplished with a few basic household tools.

Select a location in which to install the clothesline. Pick a location that has two opposite points to install the clothesline elevator pulleys on. The easiest places to install the clothesline elevator is into trees or other items made of wood.

Turn the clothesline elevator vertically so that the pulley is positioned at the top of the device. Climb on to a step stool or ladder and place the clothesline elevator flat against one of the installation locations. Insert a pencil through the top and bottom screw holes to mark the locations on to the surface. Remove the clothesline elevator from the surface and set aside.

Use a drill with a 1/4-inch drill bit to create a hole in both the top and bottom screw hole locations. Each drill hole should be approximately 1 inch deep into the surface.

Place the clothesline elevator back along the surface and line up the screw holes of the device with the drilled holes in the surface. Insert a screw through each hole and secure tightly with a screwdriver. The screws should be provided with the clothesline elevator. If the screws are not provided with the device, you may use two lag bolts which can be purchased from any hardware store.

Go to the opposite side of the yard and use the ladder to reach the opposite installation location. Use a tape measure to mark a location 2 feet above the top of the other end of the clothesline elevator.

Place the pulley flat along the installation surface and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Set the pulley aside and use the drill to create holes in the marked locations. Align the pulley with the screw holes and insert the screws using a screwdriver.

Insert the clothesline through the clothesline elevator per the manufacturer's instructions. Join the two loose ends of the clothesline using a joiner tightener. Joiner tighteners are available at any hardware or home improvement store.

Begin using the clothesline elevator to dry clothing.

Tip

To install the clothesline elevator into brick or concrete, use masonry anchors instead of screws. When installing into brick, the masonry anchors must be inserted into the mortar (not the bricks themselves).

Tips and warnings

To install the clothesline elevator into brick or concrete, use masonry anchors instead of screws. When installing into brick, the masonry anchors must be inserted into the mortar (not the bricks themselves).